Team Lead - Shop and Space Planning (14-Month Contract)

The Shop Space and Planning Team Our Shop and Space Planning team is the perfect blend of design and visual merchandising.  Each team member plays a role in ensuring our retail spaces are the perfect Lush brand experience.   Shop and Space Planning team members lead with a passion for design and are driven by the challenge of crafting unique experiences and  immersive spaces which reflect Lush’s values and unique Innovation.  All with a goal of  keeping customer and staff experience at the forefront of all creative decision making. This role takes a hands on approach and you are encouraged to get hands on often in shops and alongside our R&D projects working on new innovative ideas, actively supporting a variety of teams in creating spectacle through producing considered store layouts that keep our core values and key messaging at the forefront. It is crucial that as a member of the Shop & Space planning team you will have a clear understanding of the business critical functions and its priorities.  Shop Space and Planning Lead  The SSP Lead plays an essential role in understanding the business strategies and how that translates to store design and VM objectives and processes. They provide support, oversight and mentorship to the team in areas of Project Development, Creative Design Solutioning, Drawing Standards, Documentation Accuracy and Sustainable Practices. An SSP Lead is a driven individual who leads with curiosity and purpose and builds trusting connections by treating others with integrity and compassion.  They instill a sense of fun both within their work and within the team and believe in not taking themselves too seriously.   Additional to the SSP role the SSP Lead undertakes the following key responsibilities. Facilitates the support and development of team members through creative collaboration and feedback working closely with the UK team on design and VM direction and global objectives. Provides constructive feedback via one one one meetings and redlining drawings. Provides SSP process development and identifies areas of opportunity Overseas Technical Standards & QC coordination as it relates to AutoCAD and Drawing packages. Implements design strategy as it pertains to areas of opportunity for NA. This in conjunction with the NA Business Development Team. Helps facilitate new team member onboarding. Reporting to the Shop and Space Planning -  Design Manager, this role is responsible for, but not limited to, the following RESPONSIBILITIES :  Design specific Develops full design packages for new stores, Relocations & Expansions which meet building codes, bi-laws & health & safety. Including schematic drawings, plans, elevations, RCP’s, section details and millwork packages.   Collaborates and directs external consultants on design intent, deadline deliverable and millstone management, ensuring acquisition of all permits and approvals within timelines.  Plan checks and redlines drawing sets with Construction PM to ensure all design intent and detail has been captured by external consultants.  Produces fixture package for Millwork Vendors. Works closely with partner Architects and Contractors on troubleshooting, answering questions and making preferred recommendations.  Budget / Capex understanding and oversite for any projects requiring construction or furniture fit out needs Prepares presentations and 3D models for the internal approval process, appraisals and project signoff by senior leadership team.  Designs fixture mockups for R&D as well as supporting product/range roll out needs Procures materials and goods for hands on R&D Projects  Strategy Specific: Partners with SSP team to support and implement an overall visual merchandising and design strategy to increase sales, ensure Global Brand Standards are upheld and provide an exciting and dynamic customer experience to 260+ shops in the USA and Canada. Collaborates with entire SSP team on rollout of new shop openings from start to finish (initial design to shop setup) Collaborates with cross functional teams, globally within Lush and external vendors, to determine best design considerations relating to, Project Budget, Construction, MEP, Retail Operations, Visual Merchandising, IT, Brand etc. to ensure delivery of environmentally responsible spaces, considering all aspects of the fit out processes, tech systems and materials used   Produces/maintains design guides for other areas of the business to use when required Maintains and manages online files for using & sharing  Provides remote or where appropriate, onsite support for all Shop and Space Planning needs   Part of this role involves responsibilities within the Visual Merchandising realm and handwritten signage visual communication.  We recognize that not all individuals applying will have this experience.  This is something that we actively teach in house and will be offered to you Visual Merchandising Specific: Works with wider SSP team, Retail and Brand teams to execute visually appealing and on brand displays to drive sales and react to needs of all existing and new stores, including (but not limited to):  New product and range rollouts   Retail Initiatives  New shop openings Guides and supports selected shop staff who help support design and merchandising initiatives led by the SSP team in shops Supports with Lush Branded writing of signage in shops or remotely to supply to shops & event spaces as needed Guides and supports the Retail team and stores in maintaining consistent Brand customer experience by maintaining Global VM brand standards including visual displays, signage, and cleanliness. Conducts store visits as needed to gauge understanding and execution of visual standards, test and try new processes, and evaluate VM and sales strategies and react accordingly. Collaborates with cross functional teams in the development, implementation and maintenance of all shop